1. ZELENSKY’S FIGHT FOR SUPPORT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington, D.C., to thank the United States for its support in Ukraine’s war against Russia while also asking for more military aid. He delivered a speech to Congress, reminding leaders that while Ukraine has defended itself successfully, the war is far from over. Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s power grid and infrastructure, making winter even harder for Ukrainian citizens. Zelensky also warned that Russia is receiving help from Iran, which could threaten other U.S. allies. His speech was meant to convince the U.S. government that helping Ukraine is not just about one country but about protecting democracy worldwide. Write a news article summarizing Zelensky’s main message. Include why he came to the U.S., what he asked for, and how he tried to convince lawmakers to keep supporting Ukraine. Be sure to explain why Zelensky thinks this war could affect more than just his own country.

2. MAJOR CUTS AT NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is one of the most important agencies for climate and weather research in the U.S. Recently, the agency faced major staff cuts, with over 1,300 employees either fired or resigning within two days. Some of these employees lost their jobs because they were still on probation, while others left under a program that allowed them to quit now but still be paid until September. Many people are concerned about these cuts. Some worry that firing experts who study climate change, endangered species, and weather patterns will make it harder for scientists to do their jobs. Others believe the cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce NOAA’s role in climate research. NOAA has also been targeted by Project 2025, a plan by the Trump administration that suggests reducing government agencies and shifting some services, like weather forecasting, to private companies. Do you think NOAA is an important agency? What will happen if NOAA is eliminated? Write a paragraph explaining whether you think climate and weather research should be funded by the government or handled by private companies. Use research in your newspaper or online to support your argument.

3. NATION’S FIRST FLUORIDE BAN?

Utah is set to become the first state to ban fluoride from public water if Governor Spencer Cox signs a new bill into law. Fluoride is a mineral added to water to help prevent cavities and tooth decay, and it is supported by major health organizations like the CDC and the American Dental Association. However, some people believe fluoride may have negative health effects, and the new bill would prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems in Utah. Supporters of the bill argue that people should be able to choose whether or not to have fluoride in their water rather than having it added automatically. However, many scientists and health experts say fluoride is safe and helps improve public health. While some studies have suggested possible risks, others have found no negative effects and even a slight increase in IQ among children who drink fluoridated water. Write a letter to either the governor of Utah or a local newspaper sharing your opinion on the issue. In your letter, explain whether you support or oppose the fluoride ban. Use at least two facts from the article to support your argument. Consider how your decision might impact public health, personal choice, and government responsibility.

4. GRACELAND FRAUD

A Missouri woman, Lisa Jeanine Findley, has agreed to plead guilty to mail fraud after trying to illegally sell Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley. Graceland is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S., drawing 600,000 visitors a year. Findley was part of a fraud scheme where she faked documents claiming that Lisa Marie Presley (Elvis’s daughter) had taken out a $3.8 million loan and put Graceland up as collateral. Findley’s fake company, called Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC, planned to sell Graceland in a foreclosure auction. But when no one from the company showed up in court to defend the claim, federal officials discovered the fraud. The FBI later found that Findley had forged Lisa Marie Presley’s signature and used fake names and documents to try to steal the property. Now, Findley has admitted guilt and faces up to 20 years in prison, though prosecutors recommend a lesser sentence. This case shows how fraud—using lies to steal money or property—can have serious consequences. Imagine you are a news reporter covering this case. Write a short news article summarizing what happened. Your article should answer the following questions: Who committed the crime? What did they do? How was the fraud discovered? What could happen next? Try to write at least one paragraph that explains the case in a clear way for readers who might not know about it.

5. A PARADE OF PLANETS

At the end of February, a planetary parade is taking place, where seven planets from our solar system will appear to line up in the night sky. While they are not in a perfect straight line, they will all be on the same side of the Sun, making them visible from Earth. Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will be the easiest to see with the naked eye, while Saturn, Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune may require binoculars or a telescope. These alignments happen at least once a year, though the number of visible planets varies. The best time to see this event is after sunset on a clear night, when the planets will shine brighter than the stars. Create your own stargazing guide. In one paragraph (5-7 sentences), explain how to find the planets in the sky, what tools might help, and what to look for when identifying them. Use details from the article, such as which planets are easiest to see and their colors. Be sure to write clearly so that anyone reading your guide could step outside and know where to look!